Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Contrast Specific Echocardiogram Versus Left Ventricular Opacification (LVO) Imaging Settings

This study aims to find out which of two common ultrasound methods gives clearer pictures of the heart using a special contrast dye. Both 'contrast specific imaging' and 'left ventricular opacification (LVO)' help doctors see the main pumping chamber of the heart. During an ultrasound, a 'dye' is sometimes used to make the heart chambers show up better, particularly when the heart is working hard, like during exercise (a 'stress echo'). Current guidelines lean towards 'contrast specific imaging', but it's not fully clear if it's always better than LVO. Researchers will compare images taken using both methods in the same patients to see which one provides more useful information about the heart's function.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

29 Apr 2020

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2026

Contrast Echocardiography Imaging

What is this study about?

Imagine your doctor wants to get a really good look at how your heart is working, especially the main pumping chamber. They might suggest an ultrasound of your heart, sometimes using a special 'dye' or contrast to make the pictures even clearer. This is really helpful for understanding various heart conditions, particularly when the heart is put under a bit of strain, like during an exercise stress test.

There are two main ways doctors can get these clearer pictures with the contrast dye: one is called 'contrast specific imaging setting' and the other is 'left ventricular opacification (LVO)'. While current guidelines suggest that 'contrast specific imaging' is the preferred method, we don't actually know for sure if it's always better at providing the clearest and most helpful information than LVO.

This study is designed to compare these two methods side-by-side. Researchers will look at existing heart ultrasound images from patients who have had both types of scans. A team of heart ultrasound experts will then carefully examine and compare these images to see which method gives the clearest and most accurate information about how well the heart is pumping and if there are any issues with its movement during exercise.

Key takeaways

This study compares two heart ultrasound methods using a special dye.
It aims to find out which method gives clearer pictures of the heart.
No new tests or procedures for participants; it uses existing medical records.
Findings could help improve future heart diagnoses and care.
Open to adults aged 18 and over who were in a previous study.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would already need to have participated in a previous study called 'Luminity 422'. Importantly, we would need to have specific 'contrast specific imaging' scans available from your time in that study, taken within about two months of your other scans.

You also need to be able to fully understand what the study involves and willingly agree to participate by signing a consent form. This process ensures you're happy to have your medical information used for research.

If you're unable to understand or give your consent, then unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to take part. The study is open to both men and women aged 18 years and older, with no upper age limit.

Quick self-check

Were you previously part of the 'Luminity 422' study?
Do you have 'contrast specific imaging' results from that study taken within a 60-day window?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any new tests, visits, or medication. Instead, researchers will be reviewing existing heart ultrasound images and data that were already collected from patients who took part in a previous study called 'Luminity 422'. There's no additional time commitment required from participants for this specific study, as the focus is on analysing previously gathered information.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves reviewing existing medical images and records, there are no new medical risks or procedures involved for participants. The potential benefit is that the findings could help doctors in the future choose the best ultrasound technique to get clearer images of the heart, leading to better diagnosis and care for patients with heart conditions. You maintain the right to withdraw your consent for your anonymised data to be used at any point.

Locations (1)

Northwick Park Hospital
Harrow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is contrast echocardiography?

It's a type of heart ultrasound where a special 'dye' is injected to make the heart chambers show up more clearly on the scan. It helps doctors see how well your heart is working.

What is the difference between 'contrast specific imaging' and 'LVO'?

These are two different technical settings or methods used during a contrast echocardiogram to get pictures of your heart. Doctors want to see which one provides better quality images.

Will I need to have extra tests for this study?

No, this study only uses information and scans that have already been collected from patients who participated in a previous study.

Why is this research important?

It could help doctors decide which ultrasound technique is best to use with contrast dye for clearer heart images, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment of heart conditions.

Who is looking at the images?

A group of medical experts who specialise in heart ultrasound will be comparing the different types of images.